Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.

This week, Alpher discusses the revelations in recent days regarding peace proposals and negotiating initiatives in the Israeli-Palestinian sphere since 2014; whether these reported moves offer any new hope; the bottom line; whether things could get worse in the near future if progress is not likely; how possible deterioration links up with the Saudi-led economic siege of Qatar; and the violent ISIS attack on Iran last week and Trump's “condolence” message.

Fifty years ago this past week, the state of Israel erupted in collective celebration after conquering the West Bank, Gaza, Sinai, and the Golan Heights. Having defeated the combined armies of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in six days, the elation and relief felt by the entire country was immeasurable – and nearly universal.

I remember, right after the war, my parents taking the family for euphoric trips to biblical sites in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. My parents, both teachers, marveled at the historic significance of each site, sometimes reading the relevant passages from the Bible. There was a genuine joy of re-connecting to our national heritage.

The irony is that, in the wake of its greatest military victory, Israel was led to its greatest political defeat: five decades of conflict and occupation that have left Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state severely threatened.

Times of Israel: June 7, 2017
"Israel advances plans for 1,500 West Bank homes," quotes a Peace Now statement that the Civil Administration committee approved next step for building houses 1,500 settlement homes, including102 at Amihai, first new settlement in 25 years.

Ma'an News: June 6, 2017
"Israel advances plans to expand illegal West Bank settlements," according to a statement by Peace Now, Israel is advancing plans for 1,500 housing units in West Bank settlements.

Al-Monitor (AFP story): June 6, 2017
"Israel advances plans for 1,500 West Bank settler homes: Peace Now," quotes a Peace Now statement saying "By promoting the establishment of the first new settlement in 25 years, as well as thousands of additional settlement units, Netanyahu's actions speak louder than his empty words on peace."

Israel Story: June 5, 2017
"Peace Now. Almost," Israel Story juxtaposes coverage of two different rallies marking 50 years since the Six-Day War in 1967, including Peace Now's rally and a rally in Hebron.